In this paper, we present the result of investigations pertaining to the elastic buckling of simply supported columns with various cross-sectional dimensions but the same length and volume. In the investigations the accuracy of the analysis methods is studied and it was found that the result obtained by the successive approximations technique is the most accurate. In addition, the elastic buckling loads of columns with variable cross-section dimensions are obtained by the theoretical and numerical methods. From the results, it was found that the buckling loads obtained by the numerical methods are close to the buckling loads obtained by the successive approximations technique for the practical standpoints. Moreover, the buckling load of column with convexity in its middle is the highest while the buckling load of the tapered column is the lowest as expected.

Pultruded glass fiber reinforced polymeric plastic (PFRP) and FRP member manufactured by sheet molding compound (SMC) have superior mechanical and physical properties compared with those of conventional structural materials. Since FRP has an excellent corrosion-resistance and high specific strength and stiffness, the FRP material may be highly appreciated for the development of floating-type photovoltaic (PV) power generation system. In this paper, advanced floating PV generation system made of PFRP and SMC is designed. In the design, it includes tracking solar altitude by tilting photovoltaic arrays and tracking solar azimuth by spinning structures. Moreover, the results of the finite element analysis (FEA) are presented to confirm stability of entire structure under the external loads. Additionally, installation procedure and mooring systems in the Hap-Cheon Dam are discussed and the measurement of strain under the actual circumstances is conducted for assuring stability of actually installed structures. Finally, by comparison with allowable stress, appropriate safety of structure is confirmed to operate the system.

Pile foundations constructed by the fiber reinforced polymer plastic piles have been used in coastal and oceanic regions in many countries. Generally, fiber reinforced polymer plastic piles are consisted of filament winding FRP which is used to wrap the outside of concrete pile to increase the axial load carrying capacity or pultruded FRP which is located in the core concrete to resist the bending moment arising due to eccentric loading. In this paper, the analytical procedures of hybrid concrete filled FRP tube flexural members are suggested based on the CFT design method. Moreover, the analytical results are compared with the experimental results to obtained by the previous researches. The results of comparison analyses are performed to estimate the accuracy of the analytical procedure for hybrid FRP-concrete composite compression test, members under eccentrical loading.

In recent years, fiber reinforced polymer plastic composites are readily available in the construction industry. Fiber reinforced polymer composite has many advantages such as high specific strength and high specific stiffness, high corrosion resistance, light-weight, magnetic transparency, etc. In this paper, we present the result of investigation pertaining to the flexural behavior of flange strengthened I-shape pultruded fiber reinforced polymer plastic (PFRP) member using carbon fiber sheet (CFRP sheet). Test variable is consisted of the number of layers of strengthening CFRP sheet from 0 to 3. From the experimental results, flexural strengthening effect of flange strengthened I-shape PFRP member using CFRP sheet is evaluated and it was found that 2 layers of strengthening CFRP sheet are appropriate considering efficiency and workability.

Recently, underground pipes are utilized in various fields of applications such as sewer lines, drain lines, water mains, gas lines, telephone and electrical conduits, culverts, oil lines, etc. Most of pipes are installed for long-term purposes and they should be safely installed in consideration of installation conditions because there are unexpected various terrestrial loading conditions. In this paper, we present the result of investigation pertaining to the structural behavior of glass fiber reinforced thermosetting polymer plastic (GFRP) flexible pipes buried underground. The mechanical properties of the GFRP flexible pipes produced in the domestic manufacturer are determined and the results are reported in this paper. In addition, ring deflection is measured by the field tests and the finite element analysis (FEA) is also conducted to simulate the structural behavior of GFRP pipes buried underground. From the field test results, we predicted long-term, up to 50 years, ring deflection of GFRP pipes buried underground based on the method suggested by the existing literature. It was found that the GFRP flexible pipe to be used for cooling water intake system in the nuclear power plant is appropriate because 5% ring deflection limitation for 50 years could be satisfied.

As a candidate for lead-free piezoelectric materials, dense (NKN-5LT) ceramics were developed by conventional sintering process. Sintering temperature was lowered by adding as a sintering aid. The electrical properties of NKN-5LT ceramics were investigated as a function of concentration. At the addition of 1 mol% , electromechanical coupling factor and piezoelectric coefficient of NKN-5LT ceramics were found to reach the highest values of 0.37 and 250 pC/N, respectively.